By Senaka Samarasinghe
SLAM participating in Folklorama
Sri Lankan Association of Manitoba (SLAM) conducted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on July 17th, 2026, at 7.00 pm, in room 130, Agricultural Building, University of Manitoba.
After a decade as President of SLAM, I observed that several improvements had been introduced to benefit the community.
I am happy to note that SLAM has already registered with Folklorama on April 8, 2026 (announced by Folklorama). Way back in 2017, SLAM called a meeting at the Community Hall of the Pembina Trails Library to discuss the possibility of participating in Folklorama. During that meeting, it was observed that SLAM could not take on this venture.
Currently, Sri Lankan Seniors Manitoba (SLSM) is a subsidiary of SLAM. On 6-6-2015, SLAM’s 13th AGM was conducted. Its first Board meeting was held on 22-6-2015. During this meeting, several proposals were made. Introducing a Seniors’ group for SLAM was one of them. When the Board of SLAM discussed this, Daya Perera called for an informal dinner meeting at his home with about 15 invitees on 13-6-2016 to prepare the framework. On 23-6-2016, a meeting was held at the Community Hall of the Pembina Trails Library (PTL) to establish a seniors’ group for SLAM, named Sri Lankan Seniors Manitoba (SLSM).
At the AGM (17-7-2026), it was discussed to connect with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner (SLHC). During my tenure (2015/2017), we invited the SLHC Ahmad A. Javad as the Chief Guest of the Annual Sri Lankan New Year ceremony (23-4-2016). He inaugurated the Trade Fair with 15 stalls, which were operated alongside the above ceremony.
On 23-4-2016, in the morning hours, the SLHC, Mr. Javad, visited the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. He inquired about the progress of accepting two Human Rights Activists proposed by the Sri Lankan community.
Further, on 23-4-2026, Interim Sri Lankan Business Council of Manitoba (I-SLBCM): (1) On 22-4-2016, SLHC Mr. Javad Chaired the Sri Lankan Business Council at the Community Hall of the PTL. (2) On 27-6-2016, conducted a meeting with the Vice President of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. (2) On 3-8-2016, conducted a Board Meeting. (3) Inaugural Business Leaders meeting held on 15-9-2016. SLAM participated as a facilitator for these meetings. However, it was not possible to register SLBCM.
I am happy to note that SLAM is trying to establish a youth group, whereas during my tenure too we tried but were unable to achieve the target. We wish SLAM all the success in this great endeavor.
Soft Ball Cricket Tournament
Chitral Dasanayake, President, Bloomfield Cricket and Cultural Club, was invited to the 18th Annual “SoftBall Cricket Tournament” on July 18th (SUN), 2026, at St. Vital Park. They organized a special renaming ceremony at 4.00 pm as “Perera Memorial – SoftBall Tournament”.
Community Update
This was held on July 6th (MON), 2026, at the Community Office, 134 Plaza Drive, 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
Janice Lukes, Acting Deputy Mayor, City of Winnipeg, sent an invitation to so she would provide an update on (a) activities among the community groups, (b) Waverly West Ward, and (c) Users of the Community Office.
Mayor Scott Gillingham and his secretary, along with Janice Lukes, and Nafya Naso, her Senior Advisor, Community and Public Relations attended.
Janice served 12 years in South Winnipeg and Waverley West. She has decided not to seek re-election in the 2026 civic election. Further, she declared that Nafiya Naso will run for City Councillor, Waverley West, and she asked for support for her in October 2026 during the City Election.
I met quite a few community group leaders. Among them, I communicated with Songyan Liu, Executive Vice President, Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association. Harvn Rashid, President, Canada Bangladesh Association of Manitoba, and two long-standing friends, namely Suni Matthews and Sandra Sukan.
The Mayor and Janice requested to arrange a meeting in “Colombo-Winnipeg, on Aviation History” during the second week of September 2026. Furthermore, both of them asked me to prepare an agenda with Nafiya in July 2026.
Summer Walking: Assiniboine Park
The first “Committee Meeting” (10th Anniversary Celebration of Sri Lankan Seniors Manitoba) was held on July 21st (SUN), 2026.
Attendees via Zoom were Ismath, Felix, Lileena Elian, and Doreen. I was unable to attend. They decided to call on the above date and location. Ismath, Felix, Elian, and I started the meeting. Felix invited Bandula and Gamini to join us. I showed three coffee-table books and one magazine-type book. All agreed to print a coffee-table book, obtaining money from a funding agency.
All enjoyed the scheduled walking session, followed by the picnic lunch.
To find out more about Sri Lankan Seniors Manitoba click here.
